What makes December Makes Me Feel This Way by Dave Koz notable?

This album became a staple in holiday playlists, showcasing Koz's ability to reinterpret traditional Christmas songs through a contemporary jazz lens. It received critical acclaim for its fresh arrangements and has contributed to the resurgence of instrumental holiday music, influencing other artists in the genre. Released on September 23, 1997, 'December Makes Me Feel This Way' marked Dave Koz's first foray into seasonal music after his successful debut album in 1990 and subsequent hits. At this time, he was solidifying his reputation as a prominent contemporary jazz saxophonist, expanding his discography with a thematic focus on the holidays.

Who is December Makes Me Feel This Way for?

December Makes Me Feel This Way works well if you're into warm nostalgia for holiday gatherings, steady tempo for cozy evenings and smooth background for festive cheer.

How many songs are on December Makes Me Feel This Way?

December Makes Me Feel This Way has 13 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

December Makes Me Feel This Way

Dave Koz · 1997

48 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of jazz-infused holiday classics that evoke nostalgia and warmth during the festive season.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas — This track captures the essence of nostalgia with its lush saxophone melodies, offering a tender interpretation that stands out among traditional renditions.
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December Makes Me Feel This Way — The title track encapsulates the album's theme, featuring original compositions that blend seamlessly with holiday classics, highlighting Koz's melodic sensibilities.
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The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) — Koz's rendition infuses this classic with a warm, inviting feel, making it a highlight that resonates well with listeners during the holiday season.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends holiday classics with jazz elements, creating a warm and cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features smooth transitions between tracks, maintaining a consistent tempo and mood throughout.
Each track is arranged with a focus on melodic improvisation, allowing for expressive solos that highlight the instrumentalists.
The final track, 'Auld Lang Syne', serves as a reflective conclusion, slowing down the pace and creating a sense of closure.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

warm nostalgia for holiday gatherings
steady tempo for cozy evenings
smooth background for festive cheer
inviting atmosphere for family time
gentle soundtrack to winter moments

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party tracks
prefer modern, upbeat sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on September 23, 1997, 'December Makes Me Feel This Way' marked Dave Koz's first foray into seasonal music after his successful debut album in 1990 and subsequent hits. At this time, he was solidifying his reputation as a prominent contemporary jazz saxophonist, expanding his discography with a thematic focus on the holidays.
Stylistic neighbors: Kenny G· Boney James· Richard Elliot